The barrage of television ads started in August. In a series of spots airing throughout the state of Washington, marijuana advocates called on voters to approve Initiative 502, which would legalize the recreational use of cannabis for people over 21. The ads’ protagonists, however, were not aging hippies or medical-marijuana proponents; they were law-enforcement leaders with frontline experience in the war on drugs. Two were former U.S. Attorneys, and one was the former head of the FBI in Seattle.

The ads underscore the unprecedented support I-502 has garnered among Washington’s law enforcement and political elite. Besides the two U.S. Attorneys, Seattle’s mayor, the entire city council and both candidates for sheriff of King County (encompassing Seattle) all support the measure, which would allow the state to tax marijuana’s production and sale. Virtually all of them cite the failure of the federal government’s 40-year drug-war policy — one centered on prohibition — and tout the measure as a way to curtail drug-related crime and cut into drug cartels’ mammoth profits.

“We’ve tried criminalization. It’s an abject failure,” John McKay, who served as U.S. Attorney in Seattle from 2001 to 2007, tells TIME. McKay says Washington is awash in marijuana from gigantic hydroponic operations in lower British Columbia, which the Royal Canadian Mounted Police say are worth roughly $25 billion a year. Most of that cannabis crosses the U.S. border through what used to be McKay’s district. “Millions and millions of Americans smoke marijuana, and since it’s illegal, they inadvertently fund criminal activity. The way you get the market back is, you make it legal for businesses to compete for it.”

There are growing signs that Washington voters may heed McKay’s advice. A poll conducted in September by SurveyUSA showed that 57% of respondents will vote for I-502, while 9% remain undecided. On Election Day, that support should be enough to see I-502 approved, say drug-policy experts, who are also monitoring marijuana-legalization propositions in Oregon and Colorado. The Washington poll coincides with a national survey conducted by Gallup in October showing that 50% of Americans believe marijuana use should be legal.

In Washington, arguments for approving I-502 have centered on the high economic cost of enforcing marijuana laws — and on the measure’s massive potential for state coffers. I-502 would place a 25% tax on all marijuana transactions, and the resulting revenue would add up to $1.9 billion within five years, according to the Washington State Office of Financial Management. Fifty percent of that revenue would go to the state’s basic health plan, while substance-abuse-prevention programs would receive 15% of revenue.

I-502’s DUI provision is credited with amassing the most support, especially among the part of the populace that was both conservative and skeptical. The measure’s driving-while-stoned provision would set a maximum intoxication limit of five nanograms of THC (marijuana’s active ingredient) in the blood, which is comparable to a 0.08 blood alcohol content, the legal limit in Washington. Experts say the lack of a DUI provision has kept similar marijuana initiatives from winning approval in other states, mostly notably California.

But the DUI detail doesn’t sit well with all people. Although there is no organized opposition to I-502, the DUI provision has riled voters who typically favor legalizing marijuana. Medical-marijuana advocates have come out against I-502, arguing that the DUI detail would create a new legal risk for users because THC remains in the blood stream for days, even months, after consumption. They say medical-marijuana users would test positive for THC whether they are impaired or not.

Nevertheless, if I-502 is approved, the measure’s most formidable opposition will come from the federal government, which states explicitly that marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Holmes and McKay nonetheless remain cautiously optimistic regarding possible federal action, encouraged by the federal government’s tactics in Washington so far. In September, they point out, federal law-enforcement officials sent letters to 23 medical-marijuana dispensaries, warning they would be shut down if found to be within 1,000 ft. (300 m) of a school or playground. That advance warning, as opposed to unannounced raids, is a clear sign of restraint, says Holmes. “If the federal government can be convinced that we can cut cross-border shipments of large quantities of drugs, then I think they might see how we can cooperate, how we can allow this to go forward.”

I think it's time we just legalize Marijuana everywhere. Stop living in fear and start thinking about how great the future will be! LEGALIZE IT!If you live in a state where Marijuana isn't legal yet and still want the same type of highs, I suggest checking out uIntoxicate.com. It has amazingly detailed legal highs reviews and where to get them without getting ripped off!CHECK IT: http://uintoxicate.com/

Rebuttal: Marijuana is now in the hands of what is known at a "drug dealer" who sales to make money. These drug dealers, most either have or have other ways to get other drugs that are harder then marijuana. These dealers have no shame and will sell to children and would even influence them to try the harder drugs to make more money because these harder drugs cost more. So the gate way drug is not marijuana, its the drug dealer and they corrupt the children.

Statement: Marijuana makes you a lazy hippie.

Rebuttal: I personally know many people that use and are not lazy hippies. Matter of fact, in today's culture you couldn't tell the difference between the hard working lawyer that smokes and the hard working lawyer that doesn't.

I encourage all of you to watch a documentary called "The Union" it is very informative. There was a prohibition on alcohol that in many ways was the same as the prohibition on cannabis. If I had to make a guess, most everyone on here has drank alcohol at one time or another without the slightest thought that what your doing use to be illegal and punishable by death in some cases. Marijuana is the number one consumed drug out there so that makes it the most profitable... to the drug dealers. Reagan knew this and the DEA knows this today. That is why more then 50% of all funding to the war on drugs goes towards the fight against marijuana and not to the harder drugs like Meth and Heroine both of which are known killers. If we could turn this prohibition on cannabis off and focus on the harder drugs, we could in turn profit from the sale and taxation of cannabis. We are fighting the war on drugs the wrong way. The dealers LOVE the prohibition on drugs because that means they can have the monopoly on it and name there own price. They don't have any competition. Sale it, tax it bet them at their own game and drive the drug dealers out of business. You will start to see crime focused around drugs go down, you will start to see our economy start to profit from it. Reagan had good intentions for his fight on drugs but he went at it the wrong way. We got to start seeing it like a corporation would. Buy the business, close the business down and profit from now having no competition, in other words, Start selling cannabis, drive the dealers out of business and profit for now having a highly demanded item that people WILL buy. I can't see legalizing cannabis going wrong. Its a perfect move, one of which i hope the government see soon!

well you gotta hope it passes, even if there contains portions of the povision you don't agree with. Work to change that later. But bringing it more to the mainstream will help to reduce prices as well as setting the example to the nation how well it will turn out for you, your state, your state of mind, as fears, incorrect assumptions and inuendo are disprooven.

It's inevitably coming to every state, just a question of how soon. Will it lead to more use? I doubt it. If crack cocaine or crystal meth was sold at walmart I wouldn't buy it nor would anybody I know. Alcohol is legal now and I don't drink nor do I smoke cigarettes. I do however occasionally smoke weed.

am for the legalization of marijuana, but I'm not for I-502 in Washington State! Many people in the State of Washington have only been exposed to misleading tv commercials and other propaganda. Unfortunately most people in general, don't read through initiatives before they vote. And that is what the backers (law enforement and government officials), of this initiative are counting on. I-502 doesn't even address the medical marijuana communuity. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing.The taxes on pot will make it unaffordable, forcing people to continue to buy it illegally; the Liquor Control Board having 100% control on who can grow it and sell it; DUI's will be given out based on unscientific blood tests; newly developed government and private businesses will profit from the taxes....not just the current gov programs; there will be unrealistic restrictions on the quantity of pot you're allowed to have...that's like saying you can't have more than 1 bottle of wine or six pack of beer in your home, etc.. This initiative is another form of prohibition.

Pretty much everyone commenting here thinks there aren't any downsides. I'm open to seeing how things go once Cannabis is legalized. But if more people are walking around intoxicated, can this be good? Will more people smoke? Are the people servicing my airplane for the next flight high at work? Is there a difference between the way alcohol is used and the way the Cannabis is used? Is there anything wrong with needing to be intoxicated all the time? Are most users like those who drink, in that they only smoke on weekends? (not talking about med marijuana here) Don't think I'm conservative. I'm a progressive old hippie. But I would like to see some objective questions asked. Everyone here is like (cue Surfer Dude voice) "Yeah Man. Legalizing is totally cool !!" Actually we don't know if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Best advantage is getting rid of a black market for the stuff.

I hope it passes. As it stands now the law encourages and supports organized crime. The revenue generated by the sale of marijuana is used against law enforcement when it could be used to generate income that could be put to use in many positive ways. Legalizing would remove a huge source of income from the criminal element. As far as the feds go they need to butt out of issues that are so called "victimless crimes". The mess they have made of our nation by not listening to the will of the people would be obvious to a dead man. It is apparent they can not and will never be able to stop the accessibility of marijuana. A new and large source of tax revenue and an end to a fruitless and expensive effort should be taken advantage of in this day of huge deficits.Read more: http://nation.time.com/2012/11/02/recreational-marijuana-will-washington-state-pioneer-legalizing-weed/#ixzz2BG1akp46

There is another issue. The reference being used for saying the actual THC measured will be below 5 ng/ml within a few hours is based on a study and graph that used 3.55% THC joints. Medical marijuana THC levels run in the double digits. There is far too much complacency and raw belief in assuming the numbers are the actual numbers.

@bengal4ever68 I definitely don't know it all and have found several posts enlightening. But, one of my issues is which test is being used, immunoassay or GC/MS? It makes a difference and as yet, I've seen no reference to how the threshhold is benchmarked. And I read everything I could at the 502 site. If it's 5 ng/ml by immunoassay, then several assumptions I've read are off the mark. Anybody know?

Marijuana is a very healthy food if taken as an edible, not smoked. It is a gentle and safe way to handle pain. There is a great $2.99 e-book on medical marijuana: MARIJUANA - Guide to Buying, Growing, Harvesting, and Making Medical Marijuana Oil and Delicious Candies to Treat Pain and Ailments by Mary Bendis, Second Edition. This book has great recipes for easy marijuana oil, delicious Cannabis Chocolates, and tasty Dragon Teeth Mints.

I HOPE THIS PASSES. I really want to smoke outside after I munch at restaurants. Finally, I would be able to share my interests.Until then I'll be buying legal bud using the great reviews at Bong Pipes. Very detailed reviews and always knows where to get the good stuff!CHECK IT OUT! http://bongpipes.cu.cc/

I used to smoke pot. It really messed with my short term memory and mental focus. One hit and I would be stoned for hours. I also became anxious and withdrawn, although I know this doesn't happen to everyone. One of my problems with it, even though I am politically progressive in general, is how long one stays intoxicated after use. One beer and an hour later it is pretty much out of my system. One hit, and you are intoxicated for a long time. If they could invent a short-acting version I would be for that. Will young adults who would never used something that is illegal smoke marijuana? Will we have people, especially young adults, driving stoned AND texting? They're already texting while driving, so the answer is Yes. Will more kids take a hit in the morning before school (even though it would be illegal for them)? I imagine that as more likely than being tempted to have a sip of beer before school. I think there are some serious questions about the physical and mental health consequences. Significant decriminalization might be a better way to go. Having said all of that, it won't be possible to find out until there is a social experiment.

Take a look at Co Amendment 64! The US Justice Department and the Federal Government need to update the antiquated ideals on Marijuana. It is a recreation item that should be legally viewed like Alcohol. Prohibition of this item is costing us the valuable time of law enforcement officers and courts. A bottle of gin will mess you up (short term and long term) more than a joint. The war on drugs needs to focus on the import of heroin and cocaine, not marijuana. Dealers are gateways to harder drugs, lets eliminate the underground behavior associated with what should be viewed as a new source of revenue for local government.

"Reefer Madness" a 1938 movie started this whole anti-marijuana national irrationality. If you see the movie today, you wouldn't believe its hoaky inane storyline. Legalizing Grass would solve a lot of federal and state tax problems, and cut into the billion of dollars cartel and other illegal growers of pot collect, but you have huge federal and state police bureacracies dedicated to the futille "Drug War" and all those people get paid some hefty salaries. It would be nearly impossible to dismantle these agencies and their budgets if the war on marijuana and some other drugs ended.

As one who has smoked marijuana for most of his life but doesn't smoke it anymore, I heartily endorse this measure. It won't encourage me to smoke again but rather I hope to see the end to people being jailed for a crime that has no victims. As noted by law enforcement, this will take the business out of the hands of real criminals and even pony up a few dollars to the state. How can there be a problem with that.

I don't use marijuana and don't have any intentions to start no matter whether it's legal or not but still it is way past time to decriminalize marijuana use. Regulate it, tax it and move on to real problems.

You can buy a fifth of liquor legally on almost any street corner then get behind the wheel of a car and kill an entire family and not even remember doing it, but possess or attempt to purchase a joint, that might make you a better driver and keep you relaxed and out of trouble and you could end up in jail for it ....... yeah , that's real balanced......America needs to wake up !!!

It shouls be legalized.I have restless leg syndrome.the medication for this has side affects I dont like.Marijuana atleast allows me to be able to fall asleep and with no side affects.I always feel great when I get up the next morning.

I have always felt that it wasn't law enforcement behind the crimization of pot , but big pharmaceutical Corps.

They have influenced doctors to pass out anti depressants like candy. And you don't just take those pills when you need them . You have to take them everyday whether you feel like you need it or not. And who has the most to gain from keeping pot illegal ? It's those corps, and the cartels. They both have a lot more influence over our Gov't than we citizens. Until it's VOTING TIME !

I'm 61. Been smoking weed since I was 15. Former Marine, former college football player (go Broncos), engineer for over 30 years, have two lovely daughters, in better shape than my 45 year old neighbor. Always new organized crime are the people who want it kept illegal. All about the money

It's my body some of us would like to thank you to mind yourown business. THC has cancer fighting properties, as well as helps most people with nerve problem I.E. Tourettes syndrome. For the people who think it is bad. Pretty simple don't mess with it. For the ones who want to tell everyone else to do because of their religous beliefs, God says use the earth and it's herbs as he provided. For those that say it will cause more crime, Really??????? So you think all the wasted tax dollars imprisoning people for smoking or growing it isn't a waste of tax dollars. Alcohol prohibition ended after ten years, marijuana is going on 80 years you don't think that is because of Big Pharma, Oil companies, and clothing manufacturers don't wat you to know it can do a lot more than get someone "High". Get a grip on reality people if it isn't your body you really don't have a say, that goes for abortion and birth control as well. If it isn't yours you have no reason to talk about what should be done with it.

I do not think this is possible due to the high level of ignorance and stubbornness of the "country" people who has nothing to do with the populations in big cities. Yes, those so called red necks seem to have red closed brain too :(

It seems to me the only reason for marijuana to still be illegal is for it to be a tool by which social conservatives can both persecutes people more progressive than themselves, and to provide job opportunities for them in the DEA, an organization that is grossly over-funded by taxpayer dollars.

A 25% sales tax will be imposed on the consumer, which is in addition to our current sales tax of around 8.9%....that puts it near 34%. But that is still after the grower is charged 25% on what they sell to the middle man-distributor, who then in turn sells it to the retailer, for another 25% tax. I can't imagine how much an ounce of pot will cost by the time it trickles down to the consumer. The commericals only state that we should be taxing the sale of pot, so our state will benefit, but of course leave out how much.

I am for the legalization of marijuana, but I'm not for I-502 in Washington State! Many people in the State of Washington have only been exposed to misleading tv commercials and other propaganda. Unfortunately most people in general, don't read through initiatives before they vote. And that is what the backers (law enforement and government officials), of this initiative are counting on. I-502 doesn't even address the medical marijuana communuity. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing.The taxes on pot will make it unaffordable, forcing people to continue to buy it illegally; the Liquor Control Board having 100% control on who can grow it and sell it; DUI's will be given out based on unscientific blood tests; newly developed government and private businesses will profit from the taxes....not just the current gov programs; there will be unrealistic restrictions on the quantity of pot you're allowed to have...that's like saying you can't have more than 1 bottle of wine or six pack of beer in your home, etc.. This initiative is another form of prohibition.

@wdcla That's good of you I don't drink alcohol of any kind, but don't say it should be illegal. I don't like alcohol or the damages it causes to other who don't drink and live with someone who does on a more than frequent basis. But it is funny how the same people condemning the legalization of it, are usually social drinkers and would risk driving after a few drink when pot smokers prefer to sit at home relaxing the days stress away. Unfortunately to many holier than thou people can not tak the blinders off and see how hypocritical they are being.

This law legalizes the possession of marijuana for adults age 21 and older. The only marijuana that would be legal to sell in this state would be grown by specially-licensed Washington farmers and sold in standalone, marijuana-only stores operated by private Washington businesses licensed and regulated by the state. There would be a 25% sales tax, with 40% of the new revenues going to the state general fund and local budgets, and the remainder dedicated to substance-abuse prevention, research, education and health care. Advertising would be restricted. A new marijuana DUI standard that operates like the alcohol DUI standard would be established.

So while you try to tell people it isn't about legalization, that is exactly what it is about. Tobacco has the same farming laws as well. Do me a favor please stop trying to lie to people just because you don't like something. We can all tell you are a tool and an idiot but you don't have to make it worse.

I use for stress release, and sleep also. I don't like smoking and wish I could have it in a different form. I've never eaten it, seems like I'd use it up to fast that way, and I'm frugal with my herb. I want to grown myself some, but I'm too old to be getting busted :)

pomass I'm going to have to say that you really don't know what you're talking about, pomass. I am a marijuana user and have been for well over 20 years. I smoke daily, but not all day (only after 9:00 pm and then only if there is nothing to do around the house). I also suffer from chronic depression which has been with me for my entire life. Pot didn't do anything for me but allow me to ignore the depression for a little while each day, but it invariably made the depression worse. About 9 years ago I decided to try Zyban to quit smoking - Zyban is the exact same medicine as Wellbutrin, which is an anti-depressant. Wellbutrin is the only thing that has ever kept my depression in check. Every day I feel great and I can actually be MYSELF for the first time in my entire life. It takes time to build up in your system - roughly about 3 weeks before it starts doing what it needs to do, which is why you need to keep taking it every day.

I still smoke herb every day - hell, my daughter's middle name is Sativa. The only thing that pot would help depression-wise would be passing depression brought about by a traumatic life event.

@pomass Yes, and let's not forget the privatized prisons that would experience huge losses because they wouldn't have any more low-level (and completely-harmless) pot dealers to incarcerate. You'd think federal and state governments would love decriminalization of pot because it would save so much money being wasted on these private institutions, but then you have their lobbyists with loads of money convincing the govt officials otherwise.

@TootsieInOlympia Gotta clear up some misinformation here.1. While this is legalization for everyone, not just medical marijuana, it allows medical patients/caregivers to continue operating without the licensing system for retail stores. It also offers arrest protections for patients that current law does not.2. The sales tax is 10% not 25%, and the taxes on those other stages is on the PROFIT from the sale, not on the total value of the product. One of the initiative stated goals is to undercut the black market, and it will do that.3. While the LCB does have some say (with legislators) over some of the rules, actually local officials will have the most say over who can grow or sell it.4. DUIs currently for marijuana use include metabolites, convicting people who smoked weeks ago, by limiting it to 5ng active THC we shorten that window to people who smoked in the last few hours or past day.5. Bottles of wine or six packs aren't prohibited in our neighboring states. Limiting possession saps federal claims our law enables drug trafficking and protects people from arrest.I don't care if people oppose this, but I do expect them to oppose this for what it actually does, not what they've been told it does.

@ricks4654 Jeeez !!! That's a surfer stereotype of course. Do I really need a smiley face on my post? Aside from that, that's the only response you have to my thoughtful post? Any other thoughts about the actual questions I mentioned? And, yes. Alcohol is a mind-altering substance. I like beer and Jack Daniels now and then, but of course moderation is important. Still, what do you think about the marijuana questions? Just saying.

Alcohol is widely accepted as a normal part of life. With drug use illegal but alcohol legal for those over 21 years old in the United States, many argue that alcohol is not a drug. The reality is that alcohol interacts with the body just like any other drug and has serious ramifications when abused.

A 25% sales tax will be imposed on the consumer, which is in addition to our current sales tax of around 8.9%....that puts it near 34%. But that is still after the grower is charged 25% on what they sell to the middle man-distributor, who then in turn sells it to the retailer, for another 25% tax. I can't imagine how much an ounce of pot will cost by the time it trickles down to the consumer. The commericals only state that we should be taxing the sale of pot, so our state will benefit, but of course leave out how much.

@Section_25@dmgrush Depends on what you feel counts as "stoned." If you have been smoking regularly, you have forgotten what it is like to have a truly clear head. But THC stays in your system for a long time. You do have the residual effects of some level of spaciness for quite a few hours. Of course these days we're all chronically underslept and stressed, so perhaps fewer people know what a clear head feels like anyway.

Look up BadKittySmiles on google, she has been doing this for years and is THE medical edible guru... you will be able to cut back and go through your meds SLOWER if anything, when you eat them, because cannabis provides stronger and longer effects when it is eaten.... -much stronger- than if you smoke the same amount of herb, because you're not combusting or destroying as much, and you can absorb so much more!!! You can cut down on your rate of use, and provide your body with MORE of the medicine it needs, at the same time.

@VoodooIdol The most common side effects of Zyban are agitation, dry mouth, insomnia, headache, nausea, constipation, and tremor. Some patients may experience weight loss. Seizures also occur, especially at higher doses.

At current regardless of what any "doctor" says about Marijuna the only side effects people usually get from it are the munchies dry red eyes dizziness and maybe some laughter. You can keep your drugs that poison I prefer all natural ingredients for my tourettes.

@TootsieInOlympia Once again you're confusing sales tax at retail stores (10%) with excise taxes growers/processors/retailers pay on the profit of a sale. And while its true arrest protections are for only those 21 and older, Sec. 9 (12) prohibits that state from confiscating, seizing, destroying, or donating any medical marijuana or medical marijuana products allowed under 69.51A RCW. Sec. 6, 7 (a,b,c,d) list the ways in which local city officials have say in the licensing process. But I agree with you people who want to know more should read the initiative carefully.

I took my facts directly from I-502. It IS a 25% sales tax from the growers to producers to retail. There are NO arrest protections for patients, that is why the medical marijuana community is very upset. It also states that the liquor control board WILL have complete control over everything....local gov's will have to abide by those rules, that are clearly stated in the initiative. Rather than going back and forth with you, I suggest for people to read the actual initiative themselves. That has been one of my main points all along....don't take someone else's word for it, read it for yourself. Here is the direct link to I-502:

The liquor control board will have full control of everything. Their cut for doing this, is to the tune of up to $1,250,000 dollars every year. The other revenue won't just go to current government programs, but to newly created government programs. Only a small portion will go to the state's general fund, once everyone else has gotten their cut. The liquor control board will have total control as to who can grow it, distribute it, and sell it. That's like telling Jack Daniels or Budweiser how to run their businesses and where they are allowed to sell it. They would lose any kind of profits if the government taxed their alcohol like they want to do with marijuana, along with the fact that the public would only be allowed to buy a small amount because of purchase and possession limitations. I-502 isn't treating the legalization of marijuana like our current alcohol laws. Again, this initiative is another form of prohibition.If this initiative passes, there will be a string of law suits, until the wrongs are corrected. If it doesn't pass, there is already petitions being signed, in order for a new initiative to be presented to the citizens of Washington. We have waited this long for the legalization for Marijuana, another year or two to get it right, only makes sense. Let's truly end the prohibition of marijuana. I-502 isn't it.

Under this initiative, an individual will only be allowed to buy or possess only 1 oz of marijuana, and no more than 1 pound of edibles. They say this initiative will be treated like our laws governing alcohol. I don't see any laws on the books that limits the amount of alcohol we can buy or possess. Again, that's like saying we can only have 1 bottle of wine, and no more then a six pack of beer! Any more than that, and we might be suspicious of having a distillery in our back yard and selling it in the black market. I guess the backers of this initiative are stereotyping the typical pot smoker as a dealer if they have 2 oz instead of 1. Again, another form of prohibition.I don't encourage anyone to drive while impaired. The DUI enforcement for having a blood analysis of the person's THC concentration, will be based upon 5 nanograms per milliliter of whole blood. This has not been scientifically proven to show whether this impairs a person's ability to drive. Also, as most of us knows, marijuana can stay in a person's system for up to a month, and not be high or impaired.